# Born To Roll > Rawai, Thailand ## Overview **Name:** Born To Roll **Description:** Born to Roll is the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in Phuket, Thailand, offering world-class training in Gi BJJ for practitioners of all levels. Located in Rawai, our gym provides a welcoming and supportive environment where BJJ enthusiasts from around the world come to learn, evolve, and connect. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps on the mats or an advanced student looking to refine your technique, Born to Roll offers comprehensive instruction from fundamentals to advanced techniques in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment. All training is overseen by Professor Olavo Abreu, a 5th-degree black belt under Carlson Gracie and one of the most respected BJJ instructors in Asia. Professor Olavo began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 1988 under the legendary Carlson Gracie in Brazil. Following rigorous training at the renowned Brazilian Top Team, he ventured to Abu Dhabi where he played a pivotal role in disseminating the art of BJJ throughout the region. In 2012, he made his mark in Phuket, serving as head BJJ coach at Phuket Top Team for an extensive period. Now a revered figure in the global BJJ community with numerous affiliated gyms worldwide, Professor Olavo established Born to Roll to offer his unique teaching approach in the picturesque locale of Phuket. Born to Roll offers specialized programs including Adult Gi BJJ, Women's Only BJJ classes with a female coach, and Kids Gi BJJ for young grapplers. The gym also provides private coaching sessions for personalized instruction. Our training philosophy emphasizes building a strong foundation in BJJ fundamentals, with a focus on proper body mechanics, control, and technique over strength. We offer flexible membership options from drop-in classes to monthly subscriptions, as well as specialized programs like the Starter Pack for beginners and the Masterclass Course for white belts aspiring to advance to the next belt rank. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 59, 209 Soi Saiyuan, Rawai, Mueang, Phuket, Thailand Rawai 83130, Thailand **Phone:** +66623453357 **Website:** https://www.born-to-roll.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntorollclub - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/198r9GTgsm/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@borntorollclub?_t=ZS-8va0paCQ7yp&_r=1 ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Sunday: Closed ## Instructors ### Olavo Abreu - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Olavo Abreu was born on September 17, 1967, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in the Zona Sul area of the Marvelous City, Abreu was connected with the beach lifestyle during his formative years, making surfing one of his preferred extra-curricular activities. It was by way of boardsports that he became familiar with jiu-jitsu as many members of the Gracie family surfed locally, and many of his friends also practiced this martial art. In 1994 Olavo decided to go with his friends to a jiu-jitsu class, then joining the Carlson Gracie Academy, a school that was seen by many as the Kodokan of BJJ. Following the CGA program, Abreu was guided early on by Marcelo Alonso and Carlson Gracie Junior . By the end of 2000, many of the senior students at the Carlson Gracie Academy were banned from the team due to a structural dispute between those athletes and the founder of the gym, Carlson senior. The expelled grapplers decided to form their own workgroup, giving birth to Brazilian Top Team. As Abreu had worked with these men for the majority of his jiu-jitsu life, he decided to follow them to BTT. Much of BTT was geared towards mixed martial arts (MMA), with the team’s founders – Zé Mario Sperry , Murilo Bustamante , Bebeo Duarte , and Ricardo Libório being involved with cage-fighting in one way or another, be it as managers or as fighters. Libório was left in charge of the jiu-jitsu portion of the team, yet, with the busy life he led, much of the coaching duties were laid on Olavo and his team-mate Carlos Santos. With time, Libório moved to the United States and Santos to Abu Dhabi, leaving Abreu in charge of the BJJ workgroup. On January 2002, After nearly 3 years as a brown belt, Olavo Abreu was promoted to black belt by Ricardo Libório, in a ceremony led by Mr. Libório and Bebeo Duarte, Sperry, and Bustamante. When Olavo’s team-mate, Carlos Santos, moved to Abu Dhabi, he did so with the intent of working alongside United Arab Emirates state authorities in the development of a national interscholastic jiu-jitsu program. With the workload pilling on with each year, Santos requested the help of Olavo and team-mate Suyan Queiroz in Abu Dhabi. Abreu accepted, spending the following 8 years in the Middle East. After his time in Abu Dhabi, Olavo Abreu returned to Brazil for a brief period before emigrating once again to help develop another jiu-jitsu program, this time in Moscow, Russia, where he stayed for 6 months. From there, the opportunity arose to move to Thailand and work in an exciting new project in Phuket. Abreu arrived in Thailand in 2012, where he joined Phuket Top Team, and helped pick the academy from the ground up, a gym that is, today, one of the most well known martial arts hubs in the world. The proximity with Oceania and Asia also allowed Olavo to branch out his own association which spread with affiliates in Australia, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Brazil. Olavo Abreu Coaching ## Programs ### Adult Gi BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Our BJJ classes emphasize building a strong foundation in BJJ fundamentals. Students learn essential techniques, positions, and principles, with a focus on proper body mechanics and control. Classes provide a structured and supportive environment to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to progress in the art. ### Women's BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Women's BJJ classes provide a unique and empowering environment for female practitioners of all experience levels. You can expect a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where women can train and learn in a comfortable and inclusive setting with a female coach. ### Kids Gi BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Kids' BJJ classes offer a dynamic and enriching environment for young learners to develop essential life skills while building a strong foundation in martial arts. These classes are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of children, offering a balance of physical activity, discipline, and character development. ### Private Classes **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Private classes provide a personalized and highly tailored learning experience for individuals seeking focused and accelerated progress in their BJJ journey. In a private session, you'll have the undivided attention of an experienced BJJ instructor who can assess your strengths, weaknesses, and specific goals. ### Starter Pack **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Kickstart your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with our Beginner Starter Pack, perfect for newcomers eager to dive into the sport. Includes unlimited 1-week access, 30-minute private class, and Born to Roll T-shirt. Complete 4 classes and specific tasks to receive a 2000 baht discount on your next membership. ### 60-Day Game Changer **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Designed to revolutionize your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills through intensive training. Over 60 days, our rigorous and focused sessions aim to drastically enhance your technique, strength, and overall game. Includes 2 months unlimited gym access, 8 group private classes, and Born to Roll T-shirt. ### Masterclass Course **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** A three-month program designed for white belts aspiring to attain the next belt rank within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu system. Each week includes 10 group classes and 1 group private class. Perfect for those committed to rapid improvement in a structured and supportive environment. --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/thailand/rawai/born-to-roll)